Causal Mechanisms and Social Change

In a world where social complexity defies linear explanation, this book offers a groundbreaking methodology for understanding how and why societies transform. At its core is a systematic repertoire of 48 causal mechanismsfrom individual psychology to institutional dynamicsproviding powerful analytical tools for decoding social change. This interdisciplinary framework transcends traditional boundaries, integrating insights from sociology, political science, economics, philosophy, and history into a unified language for the social sciences. Moving beyond abstract theory, Bellanca demonstrates how to identify 'sufficient causes'the decisive factors that, when present, guarantee specific social outcomes. The book progresses from individual mechanisms through conceptual frameworks to middle-range theories, offering both rigorous analysis and practical applications. Whether examining the rise of populism, institutional collapse, or collective mobilization, these tools reveal the hidden patterns driving social transformation. Essential for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this work provides not just understanding but actionable insights for those seeking to navigateand influenceour rapidly changing world.

Presents an interdisciplinary methodological framework for understanding processes of social change Integrates insights from economics, sociology, political science and philosophy Highlights the contributions of key thinkers in social, economic and political theory

Autorentext

Nicolò Bellanca is Associate Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Florence, specializing in institutional analysis and collective decision-making. His interdisciplinary research bridges economics, sociology, and political science. Author of Isocracy: The Institution of Equality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2019), he examines how formal rules and community dynamics shape inclusive governance.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Sufficient causes in the social sciences.- Chapter 2: In search of sufficient causes in the social sciences.- Chapter 3: Conceptual frameworks of institutional change.- Conclusions: toward a social science of sufficient causes.